U.S. patent application number 15/305391 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-16 for transmission-type screen and headup display.
The applicant listed for this patent is SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Hiromi KATOH, Takafumi SHIMATANI, Naru USUKURA.
Application Number | 20170045739 15/305391 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54332436 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170045739 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
USUKURA; Naru ; et
al. |
February 16, 2017 |
TRANSMISSION-TYPE SCREEN AND HEADUP DISPLAY
Abstract
A transmission screen (2) includes at least two optical elements
(13 and 14) condensing or diverging a light beam anisotropically.
The at least two optical elements each include a light receiving
surface (10) receiving display light; and a light emitting surface
(11) emitting a divergent light beam toward a combiner (4).
Inventors: |
USUKURA; Naru; (Sakai City,
JP) ; KATOH; Hiromi; (Sakai City, JP) ;
SHIMATANI; Takafumi; (Sakai City, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Sakai City, Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
54332436 |
Appl. No.: |
15/305391 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
April 20, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2015/061949 |
371 Date: |
October 20, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 2370/27 20190501;
G02B 3/005 20130101; G02B 3/0006 20130101; B60K 35/00 20130101;
B60K 2370/333 20190501; G02B 27/0101 20130101; B60K 2370/155
20190501; G02B 2027/0118 20130101; G02B 2027/0141 20130101; G02B
2027/0123 20130101; B60K 2370/347 20190501; G02B 27/01 20130101;
G02B 27/48 20130101; G03B 21/625 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 27/01 20060101
G02B027/01; B60K 35/00 20060101 B60K035/00; G02B 27/48 20060101
G02B027/48 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 21, 2014 |
JP |
2014-087488 |
Claims
1. A transmission screen usable for a headup display, the
transmission screen comprising: at least two optical elements
condensing or diverging a light beam anisotropically; wherein the
at least two optical elements include: a light receiving surface
receiving display light; and a light emitting surface emitting a
divergent light beam toward a combiner.
2. The transmission screen according to claim 1, wherein the at
least two optical elements condense or diverge the light beam in a
monoaxial direction or biaxial directions.
3. The transmission screen according to claim 2, wherein the at
least two optical elements include a lenticular lens.
4. The transmission screen according to claim 3, wherein: the at
least two optical elements include a first lenticular lens
including a plurality of hemicylindrical lenses arranged in a first
direction and a second lenticular lens including a plurality of
hemicylindrical lenses arranged in a second direction crossing the
first direction; and a lens surface of the first lenticular lens is
directed toward the light emitting surface, and a lens surface of
the second lenticular lens is directed toward the light receiving
surface to face the lens surface of the first lenticular lens.
5. The transmission screen according to claim 3, wherein: the at
least two optical elements include a first lenticular lens
including a plurality of hemicylindrical lenses arranged in a first
direction and a second lenticular lens including a plurality of
hemicylindrical lenses arranged in a second direction crossing the
first direction; and a lens surface of the first lenticular lens
and a lens surface of the second lenticular lens are directed in
the same direction as each other toward the light receiving surface
or the light emitting surface.
6. The transmission screen according to claim 4, wherein the first
direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each
other.
7. The transmission screen according to claim 4, wherein: the first
lenticular lens is located on the side of the light receiving
surface of the second lenticular lens; and the lens surface of the
first lenticular lens and the lens surface of the second lenticular
lens are convexed, and a focal length of the first lenticular lens
is longer than a focal length of the second lenticular lens.
8. The transmission screen according to claim 4, wherein: the first
lenticular lens is located on the side of the light receiving
surface of the second lenticular lens; and the lens surface of the
first lenticular lens and the lens surface of the second lenticular
lens are concaved, and a focal length of the first lenticular lens
is shorter than a focal length of the second lenticular lens.
9. The transmission screen according to claim 5, wherein the first
lenticular lens and the second lenticular lens are integrally
formed.
10. The transmission screen according to claim 3, wherein the at
least two optical elements further include a microlens array
including an array of a plurality of microlenses.
11. The transmission screen according to claim 9, wherein: the at
least two optical elements further include a microlens array
including an array of a plurality of microlenses; and the microlens
array is located on the side of the light receiving surfaces of the
first and second lenticular lenses.
12. The transmission screen according to claim 4, wherein: the at
least two optical elements further include a microlens array
including an array of a plurality of microlenses; and the microlens
array is located on the side of the light receiving surface of the
first lenticular lens.
13. The transmission screen according to claim 4, wherein: the at
least two optical elements further include a microlens array
including an array of a plurality of microlenses; and the microlens
array is located on the side of the light emitting surface of the
second lenticular lens.
14. The transmission screen according to claim 10, wherein
directions of a plurality of vectors each representing a shift
direction between adjacent microlenses in the microlens array are
different from each other.
15. The transmission screen according to claim 14, wherein each of
the directions of the plurality of vectors and a direction of a
vector representing a shift direction between adjacent lenses in
the lenticular lens are different from each other.
16. The transmission screen according to claim 1, wherein the at
least two optical elements include any one of a light diffuser
plate, a fiber optical plate in which a plurality of optical fibers
are arranged, a volume or embossed hologram element, and a
diffraction grating.
17. A headup display, comprising: a video source outputting display
light; the transmission screen according to claim 1; and a
combiner.
18. The headup display according to claim 17, wherein the video
source is a laser light source.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to a transmission screen,
and specifically to a transmission screen usable for a headup
display.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A headup display (hereinafter, referred to as an "HUD")
displays information within a field of view of a human is used to
display information on a windshield of a vehicle such as an
airplane, an automobile or the like to assist steering or
driving.
[0003] A structure of an HUD will be described briefly. FIG. 12
shows a structure of a conventionally typical HUD. The HUD
typically includes a video source, a transmission screen, and a
combiner. One method for operating the HUD uses a virtual image
system. According to this method, a light beam output from the
video source is condensed by the transmission screen, which is a
transparent body (e.g., formed of glass), and thus a real image is
formed (displayed). The transmission screen acts as a secondary
light source, and outputs the condensed light beam toward the
combiner. The combiner has a function of displaying a video image
formed on the transmission screen in an enlarged state at a far
position, and also has a function of displaying the video image as
overlapping scenery. The combiner forms a virtual image based on
the light beam directed toward the combiner. This allows a pilot or
a driver to check the video image together with the scenery through
the combiner.
[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an HUD including a transmission
screen that includes first and second microlens arrays
(hereinafter, referred to as "MLAs") each including an array of a
plurality of microlenses. As shown in FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1,
the transmission screen includes the first and second MLAs facing
each other. A pitch of adjacent microlenses in the first MLA is
different from that in the second MLA. The MLAs are configured such
that the pitch in the second MLA is larger than the pitch in the
first MLA. The transmission screen is designed such that light
transmitted through the plurality of microlenses in the first MLA
is condensed by a single microlens in the second MLA.
[0005] The light condensed by the plurality of microlenses in the
first MLA is incident on a single microlens in the second MLA. A
plurality of pixels formed by the first MLA are assembled by the
second MLA into a pixel having a diameter larger than a sum of
diameters of the plurality of pixels. In this state, bright spots
in the pixels are not conspicuous. The HUD described in Patent
Document 1 suppresses generation of excessively bright spots in the
pixels (luminance non-uniformity).
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4954346
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0007] However, according to the studies made by the present
inventors, the transmission screen disclosed in Patent Document 1
has a problem that the distribution of the luminous intensity of
the light beam output from the transmission screen toward the
combiner is not sufficiently controlled, and thus the light
utilization factor is declined.
[0008] From the point of view of decreasing power consumption, it
is preferable that with the above-described method for operating
the HUD, an irradiation region of the light beam on the combiner is
sufficiently restricted in consideration of the range in which the
driver or the like is capable of viewing a video image regarding
the information (in consideration of a viewing area). The "viewing
area" is generally referred to also as an "eye box".
[0009] With the structure of the microlenses disclosed in Patent
Document 1, the light beam transmitted through the two MLAs is
diverged in a circular manner, and the range of divergence is, for
example, a circle centered around the center of the combiner as
shown in FIG. 12. From the point of view of improving the light
utilization factor, it is sufficient that the light beam irradiates
a planar area of the combiner. However, with the structure
disclosed in Patent Document 1, the light beam also irradiates an
area other than the planar area of the combiner and does not
irradiate only the planar area of the combiner efficiently. In this
case, the light beam that is to irradiate the combiner is
significantly wasted.
[0010] For this reason, with the prior art, it is difficult to
output a light beam in alignment with the viewing area, which
declines the light utilization factor. Thus, it is difficult to
realize low power consumption.
[0011] Human eyes are located in a lateral direction. Therefore,
the field of view of a human is larger in the lateral direction
than in a vertical direction. Therefore, the viewing area is
required to be large in the lateral direction, but may be smaller
in the vertical direction than in the lateral direction. Thus, it
is effective to configure a transmission screen such that the light
beam directed toward the combiner in a rectangular or elliptical
shape in consideration of the viewing area.
[0012] In the case where a laser light source is used as a video
source, light beams transmitted through the MLA interfere with each
other, and as a result, speckles are generated in the irradiation
region of the light beam. The speckles are visually recognized as
bright/dark patterns by the driver or the like, and thus
significantly decline the display quality.
[0013] An object of the present invention is to control the
distribution of the luminous intensity of a light beam output from
a transmission screen toward a combiner to improve the light
utilization factor. Another object of the present invention is to
suppress the generation of a speckle.
Solution to Problem
[0014] A transmission screen in an embodiment according to the
present invention includes at least two optical elements condensing
or diverging a light beam anisotropically. The at least two optical
elements include a light receiving surface receiving display light;
and a light emitting surface emitting a divergent light beam toward
a combiner. The divergent light beam forms, on the combiner, a
generally rectangular or elliptical irradiation region in
correspondence with the cross-sectional shape thereof.
[0015] In an embodiment, the at least two optical elements condense
or diverge the light beam in a monoaxial direction or biaxial
directions.
[0016] In an embodiment, the at least two optical elements include
a lenticular lens.
[0017] In an embodiment, the at least two optical elements include
a first lenticular lens including a plurality of hemicylindrical
lenses arranged in a first direction and a second lenticular lens
including a plurality of hemicylindrical lenses arranged in a
second direction crossing the first direction; and a lens surface
of the first lenticular lens is directed toward the light emitting
surface, and a lens surface of the second lenticular lens is
directed toward the light receiving surface to face the lens
surface of the first lenticular lens.
[0018] In an embodiment, the at least two optical elements include
a first lenticular lens including a plurality of hemicylindrical
lenses arranged in a first direction and a second lenticular lens
including a plurality of hemicylindrical lenses arranged in a
second direction crossing the first direction; and a lens surface
of the first lenticular lens and a lens surface of the second
lenticular lens are directed in the same direction as each other
toward the light receiving surface or the light emitting
surface.
[0019] In an embodiment, the first direction and the second
direction are perpendicular to each other.
[0020] In an embodiment, the first lenticular lens is located on
the side of the light receiving surface of the second lenticular
lens; and the lens surface of the first lenticular lens and the
lens surface of the second lenticular lens are convexed, and a
focal length of the first lenticular lens is longer than a focal
length of the second lenticular lens.
[0021] In an embodiment, the first lenticular lens is located on
the side of the light receiving surface of the second lenticular
lens; and the lens surface of the first lenticular lens and the
lens surface of the second lenticular lens are concaved, and a
focal length of the first lenticular lens is shorter than a focal
length of the second lenticular lens.
[0022] In an embodiment, the first lenticular lens and the second
lenticular lens are integrally formed.
[0023] In an embodiment, the at least two optical elements further
include a microlens array including an array of a plurality of
microlenses. It is preferable that in the microlens array, the
plurality of hexagonal microlenses are located in a hexagonal
close-packed arrangement.
[0024] In an embodiment, the at least two optical elements further
include a microlens array including an array of a plurality of
microlenses; and the microlens array is located on the side of the
light receiving surfaces of the first and second lenticular lenses.
It is preferable that in the microlens array, the plurality of
hexagonal microlenses are located in a hexagonal close-packed
arrangement.
[0025] In an embodiment, the at least two optical elements further
include a microlens array including an array of a plurality of
microlenses; and the microlens array is located on the side of the
light receiving surface of the first lenticular lens. It is
preferable that in the microlens array, the plurality of hexagonal
microlenses are located in a hexagonal close-packed
arrangement.
[0026] In an embodiment, the at least two optical elements further
include a microlens array including an array of a plurality of
microlenses; and the microlens array is located on the side of the
light emitting surface of the second lenticular lens. It is
preferable that in the microlens array, the plurality of hexagonal
microlenses are located in a hexagonal close-packed
arrangement.
[0027] In an embodiment, directions of a plurality of vectors each
representing a shift direction between adjacent microlenses in the
microlens array are different from each other.
[0028] In an embodiment, each of the directions of the plurality of
vectors and a direction of a vector representing a shift direction
between adjacent lenses in the lenticular lens are different from
each other.
[0029] In an embodiment, the at least two optical elements include
any one of a light diffuser plate, a fiber optical plate in which a
plurality of optical fibers are arranged, a volume or embossed
hologram element, and a diffraction grating. It is preferable that
in the fiber optical plate, the plurality of hexagonal optical
fibers are located in a hexagonal close-packed arrangement.
[0030] In an embodiment, a headup display includes a video source
outputting display light; the above-described transmission screen;
and a combiner.
[0031] In an embodiment, the video source is a laser light
source.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0032] An embodiment of the present invention provides a
transmission screen controlling the distribution of the luminous
intensity of a light beam output from the transmission screen
toward a combiner to improve the light utilization factor, and a
headup display including such a transmission screen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic view of a headup display 100 in
embodiment 1 according to the present invention as seen at a
certain angle, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic view of the headup
display 100 as seen at another angle.
[0034] FIG. 2 shows examples of optical element, condensing or
diverging a light beam anisotropically, that may be located in a
transmission screen 2.
[0035] FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(e) are each a schematic cross-sectional
view showing a structure of the transmission screen 2; FIG. 3(b)
and FIG. 3(c) each show a shape of a lenticular lens 13 as seen
from the side of a light emitting surface 11 of the transmission
screen 2 and a shape of a lenticular lens 14 as seen from the side
of a light receiving surface 10 of the transmission screen 2; and
FIG. 3(d) is a schematic view showing the relationship between
focal lengths of the lenticular lenses 13 and 14.
[0036] FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(d) are each a schematic cross-sectional
view showing a structure of a transmission screen 2A; FIG. 4(b) is
a schematic view showing a shape of a lenticular lens 21 as seen
from the side of the light receiving surface 10 of the transmission
screen 2A shown in FIG. 4(a); and FIG. 4(c) is a schematic view
showing a shape of the lenticular lens 21 as seen from the side of
the light emitting surface 11 of the transmission screen 2A shown
in FIG. 4(d).
[0037] FIG. 5(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a
structure of a transmission screen 2B; and FIG. 5(b) and FIG. 5(c)
are each a schematic view showing a shape of an MLA 12 as seen from
the side of the light emitting surface 11 of the transmission
screen 2B, a shape of the lenticular lens 13 as seen from the side
of the light receiving surface 10 of the transmission screen 2B,
and a shape of the lenticular lens 14 as seen from the side of the
light emitting surface 11.
[0038] FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 6(c) are each a schematic cross-sectional
view showing a structure of a transmission screen 2C; and FIG. 6(b)
is a schematic view showing a shape of the MLA 12 as seen from the
side of the light receiving surface 10 of the transmission screen
2C shown in FIG. 6(a) and a shape of the lenticular lens 21 as seen
from the side of the light emitting surface 11 of the transmission
screen 2C shown in FIG. 6(a).
[0039] FIG. 7(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a
structure of a transmission screen 2D; and FIG. 7(b) and FIG. 7(c)
are each a schematic view showing a shape of a fiber optical plate
20 as seen from the side of the light emitting surface 11 of the
transmission screen 2D, a shape of the lenticular lens 13 as seen
from the side of the light receiving surface 10 of the transmission
screen 2D, and a shape of the lenticular lens 14 as seen from the
side of the light emitting surface 11.
[0040] FIG. 8(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a
structure of a transmission screen 2E; and FIG. 8(b) and FIG. 8(c)
are each a schematic view showing a shape of the lenticular lens 21
as seen from the side of the light emitting surface 11 and as seen
from the side of the light receiving surface 10.
[0041] FIG. 9(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a
structure of a transmission screen 2F; and FIG. 9(b) is a schematic
view showing a shape of an MLA 22 of a quadrangular arrangement as
seen from the side of the light emitting surface 11 and as seen
from the side of the light receiving surface 10.
[0042] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a headup display 200 in
embodiment 3 according to the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 11(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a
structure of a transmission screen 2G; and FIG. 11(b) is a
schematic view showing a shape of the MLA 12 as seen from the side
of the light emitting surface 11 of the transmission screen 2G and
a shape of an MLA 23 of a deformed hexagonal close-packed
arrangement as seen from the side of the light receiving surface 10
of the transmission screen 2G.
[0044] FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a conventionally typical
headup display.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0045] As a result of accumulating studies, the present inventors
conceived combining optical elements (e.g., lenticular lenses)
condensing or diverging a light beam anisotropically to arrive at a
novel transmission screen directing a divergent light beam toward a
combiner in a generally rectangular or elliptical shape.
[0046] A transmission screen in an embodiment according to the
present invention includes at least two optical elements condensing
or diverging a light beam anisotropically. The at least two optical
elements include a light receiving surface receiving display light
and a light emitting surface emitting a divergent light beam toward
a combiner. Such a transmission screen is usable for a headup
display to improve the light utilization factor.
[0047] Hereinafter, a transmission screen and a headup display
including the same in an embodiment according to the present
invention will be described with reference to the attached
drawings. In the following description, the same or similar
components bear the same reference signs. The headup display in an
embodiment according to the present invention is not limited to the
one described below.
Embodiment 1
[0048] With reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, a structure and a
function of a transmission screen 2 and a head display 100
including the same in this embodiment will be described.
[0049] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic view of the headup display 100 in
this embodiment as seen at a certain angle. FIG. 1(b) is a
schematic view of the headup display 100 as seen at another
angle.
[0050] The headup display 100 includes a video source 1, the
transmission screen 2, a field lens 3, and a combiner 4. As
described below, the headup display 100 does not need to include
the field lens 3.
[0051] A light beam output from the video source 1 is condensed by
the transmission screen 2 to form a real image. The transmission
screen 2 acts as a secondary light source, and outputs the
condensed light beam toward the combiner 4 such that the
irradiation region 5 on the combiner 4 is generally rectangular.
The combiner 4 forms a virtual image based on the light beam
directed thereto. This allows a pilot or a driver to check a video
image together with scenery through the combiner.
[0052] Each of the components in the headup display 100 will be
described in detail.
[0053] The video source 1 is a device drawing a video image, and is
realized by any known component selectable from a wide range. The
video source 1 is configured to output display light toward the
transmission screen 2. Known methods useable for the drawing
include a method using an LCOS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) or an
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a method using DLP (Digital Light
Processing), a method using a laser projector, and the like.
[0054] The method using an LCOS or an LCD mainly uses a three
primary color (RGB) LED (Light Emitting diode) light source and an
LCOS or an LCD. The method using DLP mainly uses a three primary
color (RGB) LED light source and a DMD (Digital Micromirror
Device). With these methods, each of the LED light sources
irradiates the entirety of the LCD, the LCOS or the DMD with a
light beam, and unnecessary light that does not contribute to the
video image is cut by the LCD, the LCOS or the DMD.
[0055] In the meantime, the method using a laser projector mainly
uses a three primary color light source and an MEMS (Micro Electro
Mechanical Systems) mirror. With this method, a video image of only
a display region as a target is drawn by a raster scan method.
[0056] FIG. 2 shows examples of optical element, condensing or
diverging a light beam anisotropically, that may be located in the
transmission screen 2. An optical element condenses or diverges a
light beam in a monoaxial direction or biaxial directions. As shown
in FIG. 2, a lenticular lens may be used as an optical element
condensing or diverting a light beam in a monoaxial direction (X
axis direction in FIG. 2). A lenticular lens having a stack
structure may be used as an optical element condensing or diverting
a light beam in biaxial directions (X axis direction and Y axis
direction in FIG. 2). Also as an optical element condensing or
diverting a light beam in biaxial directions, an MLA of a deformed
hexagonal close-packed arrangement may be used. These optical
elements will be described below in detail.
[0057] FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(e) are each a schematic cross-sectional
view showing a structure of the transmission screen 2. FIG. 3(b)
and FIG. 3(c) each show a shape of a lenticular lens 13 as seen
from the side of a light emitting surface 11 of the transmission
screen 2 and a shape of a lenticular lens 14 as seen from the side
of a light receiving surface 10 of the transmission screen 2. FIG.
3(d) is a schematic view showing the relationship between focal
lengths of the lenticular lenses 13 and 14.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the transmission screen 2 includes
the light receiving surface 10 receiving display light from the
video source 1 and the light emitting surface 11 emitting a
divergent light beam having a generally rectangular cross-section
toward the combiner 4. The expression "generally rectangular
cross-section" refers to that the divergent light beam has a
generally rectangular cross-section at a plane perpendicular to an
optical axis thereof.
[0059] In the transmission screen 2, the lenticular lens 13 is
located on the side of the light receiving surface 10, and the
lenticular lens 14 is located on the side of the light emitting
surface 11. A lens surface of the lenticular lens 13 is directed
toward the light emitting surface 11, and a lens surface of the
lenticular lens 14 is directed toward the light receiving surface
10 to face the lens surface of the lenticular lens 13. In this
specification, the "lens surface" refers to a convexed surface or a
concaved surface of the lens.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 3(e), the lens surfaces of the lenticular
lenses 13 and 14 may be directed in the same direction toward the
light emitting surface 11. Alternatively, the lens surfaces of the
lenticular lenses 13 and 14 may be directed in the same direction
toward the light receiving surface 10 (not shown). The transmission
screen 2 acts as a secondary light source, and expands the display
light from the video source 1 and irradiates the combiner 4 with a
divergent light beam. The angle at which the divergent light beam
expands is determined based on, for example, the size, the focal
length or the like of each of lenses included in the lenticular
lens 13 and 14.
[0061] The lenticular lens 13 is formed of a plurality of
hemicylindrical lenses arrayed in a first direction (X axis
direction) in FIG. 3(a). The lenticular lens 14 is formed of a
plurality of hemicylindrical lenses arrayed in a second direction
(Z axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction. It is
preferable that the first array direction and the second array
direction are perpendicular to each other from the point of view of
providing a generally rectangular cross-section of a divergent
light beam to effectively use the light. It should be noted that
the first array direction and the second array direction do not
need to be perpendicular to each other. For example, these
directions may make an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 135
degrees.
[0062] As long as the lenticular lenses 13 and 14 are located such
that the first array direction and the second array direction cross
each other, the first array direction of the lenticular lens 13 and
the second array direction of the lenticular lens 14 may be as
shown in FIG. 3(c), namely, may be opposite to those shown in FIG.
3(b).
[0063] With reference to FIG. 3(d), the relationship between the
focal lengths of the lenses included in the lenticular lenses 13
and 14 will be described.
[0064] In the case where the lens surfaces of the lenticular lenses
13 and 14 are convexed, the focal length of the lenticular lens 13
is longer than the focal length of the lenticular lens 14. In the
case where the lens surfaces of the lenticular lenses 13 and 14 are
concaved, the focal length of the lenticular lens 13 is shorter
than the focal length of the lenticular lens 14.
[0065] In this embodiment, the pitch of adjacent lenses included in
the lenticular lenses 13 and 14, the radius of curvature of the
lenses, or the first and second array directions may be changed so
that the aspect ratio of the shape of irradiation of the divergent
light beam having a generally rectangular cross-section (shape of
the irradiation region 5) is changed.
[0066] With reference to FIG. 4, a modification of the transmission
screen 2 will be described.
[0067] FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(d) are each a schematic cross-sectional
view showing a structure of a transmission screen 2A. FIG. 4(b)
shows a shape of a lenticular lens 21 as seen from the side of the
light receiving surface 10 of the transmission screen 2A shown in
FIG. 4(a). FIG. 4(c) shows a shape of the lenticular lens 21 as
seen from the side of the light emitting surface 11 of the
transmission screen 2A shown in FIG. 4(d).
[0068] The transmission screen 2A includes the lenticular lens 21
having a stack structure. Two lenticular lenses are integrally
provided such that lens surfaces thereof are directed toward the
light receiving surface 10 of the transmission screen 2A and such
that the array directions of the two lenticular lenses cross each
other. With such an arrangement, the lenticular lens 21 having a
stack structure is formed. It is preferable that the array
directions of the lenticular lenses are perpendicular to each other
from the point of view of providing a generally rectangular
cross-section of a divergent light beam to effectively use the
light.
[0069] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the two lenticular
lenses may be located such that the lens surfaces thereof are
directed toward the light emitting surface 11 of the transmission
screen 2A and such that the array directions of the two lenticular
lenses cross each other. The lenticular lens 21 having a stack
structure may be formed with such an arrangement. It is preferable
that the array directions of the lenticular lenses are
perpendicular to each other from the point of view of providing a
generally rectangular cross-section of a divergent light beam to
effectively use the light.
[0070] In the case where the lenticular lens 21 is provided in the
transmission screen 2A, a divergent light beam having a generally
rectangular cross-section is output from the light emitting surface
11 of the transmission screen 2A, and the irradiation region 5 of
the light is accommodated in the planar area of the combiner 4.
This allows the irradiation region of the divergent light beam to
be sufficiently restricted to improve the light utilization factor.
As a result, low power consumption and/or high luminance of the
video image is realized.
[0071] Now, FIG. 1 will be referred to again. The field lens 3 is
located between the transmission screen 2 and the combiner 4 and at
a position close to the transmission screen 2. The field lens 3 is,
for example, a convex lens and changes the advancing direction of a
light beam that is output from the transmission screen 2. Use of
the field lens 3 further improves the light utilization factor. The
field lens 3 may be located between the video source 1 and the
transmission screen 2 or may not be provided in accordance with the
designing specifications or the like.
[0072] The combiner 4 is generally, for example, a half mirror, but
may be a hologram element or the like. The combiner 4 reflects the
divergent light beam from the transmission screen 2 to form a
virtual image of the light. The combiner 4 has a function of
displaying a video image formed on the transmission screen 2 in an
enlarged state at a far position, and also has a function of
displaying the video image as overlapping the scenery. This allows
the pilot or the driver to check the video image together with the
scenery through the combiner. In accordance with the curvature of
the combiner 4, the size of the virtual image or the position at
which the virtual image is formed may be changed.
[0073] In this embodiment, the distribution of the luminous
intensity of light of the divergent light beam from the
transmission screen 2 may be determined in accordance with the
shape of the light emitting surface 11 of the transmission screen
2, and thus the irradiation region 5 of the divergent light beam is
accommodated in the planar area of the combiner 4. This allows the
irradiation region of the divergent light beam to be sufficiently
restricted to improve the light utilization factor. As a result,
low power consumption and/or high luminance of the video image is
realized.
[0074] A general speckle removal measure may be combined with this
embodiment to provide an effect of removing a speckle. The general
speckle removal measure is, for example, swinging the transmission
screen 2, increasing the spectral width of the light source, using
a plurality of light sources, or providing scattering light onto an
optical path. Instead of such a measure, an MLA or the like may be
included in the transmission screen 2 as described below to
decrease the number of speckles efficiently. Such a measure
decreases the numbers of speckles even in the case where a laser
light source is used as the video source 1.
Embodiment 2
[0075] With reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a structure and a
function of a transmission screen in this embodiment will be
described. Components same as those of the transmission screen 2 or
2A will bear the same reference signs and the detailed descriptions
thereof will be omitted.
[0076] A transmission screen 2B in this embodiment includes a
lenticular lens and an MLA as optical elements. A lenticular lens
is an optical element condensing or diverging a light beam
anisotropically, whereas an MLA is an optical element condensing or
diverging a light beam isotropically. In this manner, the
transmission screen 2B may further include an optical element
condensing or diverging a light beam isotropically.
[0077] FIG. 5(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a
structure of the transmission screen 2B. FIG. 5(b) and FIG. 5(c)
each show a shape of an MLA 12 as seen from the side of the light
emitting surface 11 of the transmission screen 2B, a shape of the
lenticular lens 13 as seen from the side of the light receiving
surface 10 of the transmission screen 2B, and a shape of the
lenticular lens 14 as seen from the side of the light emitting
surface 11.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the transmission screen 2B includes
the light receiving surface 10 receiving display light from the
video source 1 and the light emitting surface 11 emitting a
divergent light beam having a generally rectangular or elliptical
cross-section toward the combiner 4. In the transmission screen 2B,
the MLA 12 is located on the side of the light receiving surface,
and the two lenticular lenses 13 and 14 are located on the side of
the light emitting surface. The transmission screen 2B acts as a
secondary light source, and expands the light beam from the video
source 1 and irradiates the combiner 4 with the divergent light
beam. The angle at which the divergent light beam expands is
determined based on, for example, the size, the focal length or the
like of each of lenses included in the MLA 12 and the lenticular
lens 13 and 14.
[0079] As shown in, for example, FIG. 5(b), microlenses included in
the MLA 12 are right hexagonal. The MLA 12 is formed of the right
hexagonal microlenses arrayed in a hexagonal close-packed
arrangement. The lenses in the MLA 12 do not need to be right
hexagonal, and may be, for example, rectangular or circular. From
the point of view of improving the light utilization factor and
decreasing the number of speckles, it is preferable that the lenses
are right hexagonal.
[0080] A lens surface of the MLA 12 is directed toward the light
emitting surface. The MLA 12 condenses display light from the video
source 1 to form a real image between the MLA 12 and the lenticular
lens 13.
[0081] Instead of the MLA, a light diffuser plate, for example, may
be used. In consideration of the light utilization factor, it is
advantageous to use the MLA, which controls the distribution of the
luminous intensity of light.
[0082] The lens surface of the lenticular lens 13 is directed
toward the light receiving surface 10 to face the lens surface of
the MLA 12. It is preferable that the lenticular lens 13 is located
away from the MLA 12 by at least the focal length of the lenses
(microlenses) of the MLA 12. If the lenticular lens 13 and the MLA
12 have a distance therebetween that is shorter than the focal
length of the microlenses, the effect of decreasing the number of
speckles is reduced. By contrast, if the lenticular lens 13 and the
MLA 12 have a distance therebetween that is longer than twice the
focal length, an image is easily blurred. In consideration of these
factors, it is preferable that the lenticular lens 13 and the MLA
12 have a distance d therebetween that is in the range of 0.5 f to
4 f, where f is the focal length of the microlens.
[0083] The lens surface of the lenticular lens 14 is directed
toward the light emitting surface 11. In this manner, an "optical
sheet" formed of a stack of two lenticular lenses 13 and 14 is
formed on the side of the light emitting surface 11 of the
transmission screen 2A. In the case where the optical sheet is
located on the side of the light emitting surface 11, the divergent
light beam has a generally rectangular cross-section. The divergent
light beam forms, on the combiner 4, the irradiation region 5,
which is generally rectangular in correspondence with the
cross-sectional shape thereof.
[0084] With reference to FIG. 5(b), vectors each representing a
shift direction between adjacent lenses will be described.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 5(b), regarding the MLA 12, vectors e1, e2
and e3 are defined as vectors each representing a shift direction
between adjacent microlenses. Vector e1 is directed from the center
of a microlens M1 toward the center of a microlens M2. The
direction of vector e1 is a shift direction of the center of the
microlens M2 on the basis of the center of the microlens M1.
Similarly, vector e2 is directed from the center of the microlens
M2 toward the center of a microlens M3. The direction of vector e2
is a shift direction of the center of the microlens M3 on the basis
of the center of the microlens M2. Vector e3 is directed from the
center of the microlens M3 toward the center of the microlens M1.
The direction of vector e3 is a shift direction of the center of
the microlens M1 on the basis of the center of the microlens M3. In
this manner, the directions of the plurality of vectors (e1, e2 and
e3), each of which represents a shift direction between the lenses,
are different from each other.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 5(b), regarding the lenticular lenses and
14, vectors e4 and e5 are defined as vectors each representing a
shift direction between adjacent hemicylindrical lenses. Vector e4
connects the centers of the adjacent hemicylindrical lenses. The
direction of vector e4 matches the first array direction (X axis
direction). Vector e5 connects the centers of the adjacent
hemicylindrical lenses. The direction of vector e5 matches the
second array direction (Z axis direction).
[0087] As described above, in the MLA 12 and the lenticular lenses
13 and 14, the directions of vectors e1, e2, e3, e4 and e5, which
represent the shift directions between the lenses, are different
from each other.
[0088] Speckles are mainly generated in the direction of such a
vector representing a shift direction between lenses. In this
embodiment, the shift directions between the lenses in each optical
element may be determined so as to counteract each other regarding
the generation of speckles. In this case, the generation of
speckles is suppressed efficiently.
[0089] In this embodiment, the lenticular lens 14 located closest
to the light emitting surface 11 of the transmission screen 2B
mainly determines the distribution of the luminous intensity of the
light beam. Therefore, the pitch, the radius of curvature or the
central angle of adjacent lenses included in the lenticular lens 14
may be changed so that the aspect ratio of the shape of irradiation
of the divergent light beam having a generally rectangular
cross-section (shape of the irradiation region 5) is changed.
[0090] As a result, the number of speckles is decreased, and the
light utilization factor is improved.
[0091] As long as the lenticular lenses 13 and 14 are located such
that the first array direction and the second array direction cross
each other, the first array direction of the lenticular lens 13 and
the second array direction of the lenticular lens 14 may be as
shown in FIG. 5(c), namely, may be opposite to those shown in FIG.
5(b).
[0092] The MLA 12 may be located closest to the light emitting
surface 11 of the transmission screen 2B. Such a structure also
provides substantially the same effect as that described above.
[0093] Now, with reference to FIG. 6, a transmission screen in
modification 1 of this embodiment will be described. Components
same as those of the transmission screen 2A or 2B will bear the
same reference signs and the detailed descriptions thereof will be
omitted.
[0094] FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 6(c) are each a schematic cross-sectional
view showing a structure of a transmission screen 2C. FIG. 6(b)
shows a shape of the MLA 12 as seen from the side of the light
receiving surface 10 of the transmission screen 2C shown in FIG.
6(a) and a shape of the lenticular lens 21 as seen from the side of
the light emitting surface 11 of the transmission screen 2C shown
in FIG. 6(a).
[0095] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the transmission screen 2C includes
the lenticular lens 21 having a stack structure and the MLA 12. The
MLA 12 is located on the side of the light receiving surface 10 of
the lenticular lens 21. The transmission screen 2C has a structure
obtained as a result of adding the MLA 12 to the transmission
screen 2A shown in FIG. 4(d). The MLA 12 is located on the side of
the light receiving surface 10 of the lenticular lens 21. The lens
surface of the MLA 12 is directed toward the light receiving
surface 10, and the lens surface of the lenticular lens 21 is
directed toward the light emitting surface 11.
[0096] FIG. 6(b) shows vectors e1, e2, e3, e4 and e5 each
representing a shift direction between adjacent lenses. Vectors e4
and e5 are defined as vectors each representing a shift direction
between the lenses in the lenticular lens 21. The directions of
vectors e4 and e5 respectively match the X axis direction and the Y
axis direction. In this modification also, in the MLA 12 and the
lenticular lens 21, the directions of vectors e1, e2, e3, e4 and
e5, each representing a shift direction between lenses, are
different from each other.
[0097] The transmission screen 2C may also have a structure shown
in FIG. 6(c), which is obtained as a result of adding the MLA 12 to
the transmission screen 2 shown in FIG. 3(a), which includes the
lenticular lenses 13 and 14 located such that the lens surfaces
thereof face each other. The MLA 12 is located on the side of the
light receiving surface 10.
[0098] The transmission screen in the modification shown in FIG.
6(a) or FIG. 6(c) decreases the number of speckles efficiently.
[0099] Now, with reference to FIG. 7 through FIG. 9, transmission
screens in modifications 2 through 4 of this embodiment will be
described. Components same as those of the transmission screen 2C
will bear the same reference signs and the detailed descriptions
thereof will be omitted.
[0100] With reference to FIG. 7, modification 2 will be
described.
[0101] FIG. 7(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a
structure of a transmission screen 2D. FIG. 7(b) and FIG. 7(c) each
show a shape of a fiber optical plate 20 as seen from the side of
the light emitting surface 11 of the transmission screen 2D, a
shape of the lenticular lens 13 as seen from the side of the light
receiving surface 10 of the transmission screen 2D, and a shape of
the lenticular lens 14 as seen from the side of the light emitting
surface 11.
[0102] Unlike the transmission screen 2B, the transmission screen
2D includes the fiber optical plate 20 (hereinafter, referred to as
an "FOP") 20 located on the side of the light receiving surface 10
instead of the MLA 12.
[0103] The transmission screen 2D includes the FOP 20 and the
lenticular lenses 13 and 14. The FOP 20 is formed of a plurality of
hexagonal optical fibers arrayed in a hexagonal close-packed
arrangement. In general, an FOP is formed of a plurality of optical
fibers and is used as, for example, a waveguide path for an optical
device.
[0104] The FOP 20 is located on the side of the light receiving
surface 10 of the transmission screen 2D, and the lenticular lenses
13 and 14 are located on the side of the light emitting surface 11
of the transmission screen 2D such that the array directions of the
respective lenses cross each other. It is preferable that the array
directions of the respective lenses are perpendicular to each other
from the point of view of providing a generally rectangular
cross-section of a divergent light beam to effectively use the
light.
[0105] The FOP 20 is located to face the light emitting surface 11
so as to condense display light from the video source 1 to form a
real image between the FOP 20 and the lenticular lens 13. The lens
surface of the lenticular lens 13 is directed toward the light
receiving surface 10 to face the FOP 20. The lens surface of the
lenticular lens 14 is directed toward the light emitting surface
11. Like in the transmission screen 2, an optical sheet formed of
the lenticular lenses 13 and 14 is located on the side of the light
emitting surface 11. From the light emitting surface 11, a
divergent light beam having a generally rectangular cross-section
is output.
[0106] The FOP 20 has a function of reducing coherence of a laser
beam. As described above, in the case where, for example, a laser
beam is used as a light source of the video source 1, speckles are
easily generated. Use of the FOP 20 significantly suppresses the
generation of speckles. Even in the case where the FOP 20 is used,
a divergent light beam having a generally rectangular cross-section
is output from the light emitting surface 11 of the transmission
screen 2D, and the irradiation region 5 of the light is
accommodated in the planar area of the combiner 4. This allows the
irradiation region of the divergent light beam to be sufficiently
restricted.
[0107] As a result, the light utilization factor is improved, and
also the generation of speckles is significantly suppressed. Low
power consumption and/or high luminance of the video image is
realized.
[0108] Now, with reference to FIG. 8, modification 3 will be
described.
[0109] FIG. 8(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a
structure of a transmission screen 2E. FIG. 8(b) and FIG. 8(c) each
show a shape of the lenticular lens 21 as seen from the side of the
light emitting surface 11 and as seen from the side of the light
receiving surface 10.
[0110] Unlike the transmission screen 2B, the transmission screen
2E includes two lenticular lenses located on the side of the light
emitting surface 11 such that lens surfaces thereof are directed
toward the light receiving surface 10. Components same as those of
the transmission screen 2B will not be described in detail.
[0111] The transmission screen 2E includes the MLA 12 and the
lenticular lens 21. The MLA 12 is located on the side of the light
receiving surface 10 of the transmission screen 2E, and the
lenticular lens 21 is located on the side of the light emitting
surface 11 of the transmission screen 2E. The lens surface of the
MLA 12 is directed toward the light emitting surface 11. As shown
in FIG. 8(b), the two lenticular lenses are located such that the
lens surfaces thereof are directed toward the light receiving
surface 10 of the transmission screen 2E and such that the array
directions thereof cross each other. Thus, the two lenticular
lenses forming a stack are integrated together to form the
lenticular lens 21. It is preferable that the array directions of
the respective lenses are perpendicular to each other from the
point of view of providing a generally rectangular cross-section of
a divergent light beam to effectively use the light.
[0112] The MLA 12 condenses display light from the video source 1
to form a real image between the MLA 12 and the lenticular lens 21.
The lens surface of the lenticular lens 21 is directed toward the
light receiving surface 10. Like in the transmission screen 2B, an
optical sheet formed of the two lenticular lenses (lenticular lens
21) is located on the side of the light emitting surface 11 of the
transmission screen 2E. From the light emitting surface 11, a
divergent light beam having a generally rectangular cross-section
is output.
[0113] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8(c), the two lenticular
lenses may be located such that the lens surfaces thereof are
directed toward the light emitting surface 11 of the transmission
screen 2E and such that the array directions thereof cross each
other. In this case also, the two lenticular lenses forming a stack
are integrated together to form the lenticular lens 21. It is
preferable that the array directions of the respective lenses are
perpendicular to each other from the point of view of providing a
generally rectangular cross-section of a divergent light beam to
effectively use the light.
[0114] In the example shown in FIG. 8(a), the MLA 12 is located on
the side of the light receiving surface 10 of the transmission
screen 2E. Alternatively, the FOP 20 may be located on the side of
the light receiving surface 10 of the transmission screen 2E.
[0115] In the case where the lenticular lens 21 integrally formed
is located on the side of the light emitting surface 11 of the
transmission screen 2E as shown in FIG. 8(b) or FIG. 8(c), a
divergent light beam having a generally rectangular cross-section
is output from the light emitting surface 11 of the transmission
screen 2E, and the irradiation region 5 of the light is
accommodated in the planar area of the combiner 4. This allows the
irradiation region of the divergent light beam to be sufficiently
restricted to improve the light utilization factor. As a result,
low power consumption and/or high luminance of the video image is
realized.
[0116] Now, with reference to FIG. 9, modification 4 will be
described.
[0117] FIG. 9(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a
structure of a transmission screen 2F. FIG. 9(b) shows a shape of a
microlens array 22 of a quadrangular arrangement as seen from the
side of the light emitting surface 11 and as seen from the side of
the light receiving surface 10.
[0118] Unlike the transmission screen 2E, the transmission screen
2F includes the MLA 22 of a quadrangular arrangement is located on
the side of the light emitting surface 11.
[0119] The transmission screen 2F includes the MLA 12 and the MLA
22. As described above, the MLA 12 includes a plurality of
hexagonal lenses arrayed in a hexagonal close-packed arrangement,
whereas the MLA 22 includes a plurality of quadrangular lenses
arrayed in a quadrangular arrangement. The MLA 22 is a microlens
array of a so-called quadrangular arrangement. The lenses in the
MLA 22 do not need to be square, and may be, for example, box or
circular. It is preferable that the lenses are rectangular from the
point of view of improving the light utilization factor.
[0120] The MLA 12 is located on the side of the light receiving
surface 10 of the transmission screen 2F, and the MLA 22 is located
on the side of the light emitting surface 11 of the transmission
screen 2F. The lens surface of the MLA 12 is directed toward the
light emitting surface 11, and a lens surface of the MLA 22 is
directed toward the light receiving surface 10. From the light
emitting surface 11, a divergent light beam having a generally
rectangular cross-section is output.
[0121] In the example shown in FIG. 9(a), the MLA 12 is located on
the side of the light receiving surface 10. Alternatively, the FOP
20 may be located on the side of the light receiving surface
10.
[0122] As described above, also in the case where the MLA 22 is
used, a divergent light beam having a generally rectangular
cross-section is output from the light emitting surface 11 of the
transmission screen 2F, and the irradiation region 5 of the light
is accommodated in the planar area of the combiner 4. This allows
the irradiation region of the divergent light beam to be
sufficiently restricted to improve the light utilization factor. As
a result, low power consumption and/or high luminance of the video
image is realized. In addition, as in this embodiment, the number
of speckles is decreased efficiently.
[0123] In the case where the two lenticular lenses are located on
the side of the light emitting surface 11 of the transmission
screen, the in-plane luminance of the irradiation region 5 is
easily uniformized. By contrast, in the case where the MLA 22 is
located on the side of the light emitting surface 11, it is
difficult to provide a uniform in-plane luminance of the
irradiation region 5. However, the MLA 22 may be realized by any
general-purpose component selectable from a wide range and thus it
is advantageous to use the MLA 22 in terms of the production cost.
The designing specifications of the transmission screen may be
determined in consideration of the balance of the performance and
the cost.
Embodiment 3
[0124] With reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, a structure and a
function of a head display 200 in this embodiment will be
described.
[0125] The headup display 200 outputs a divergent light beam having
a generally elliptical cross-section from a transmission screen 2G
toward the combiner 4. The divergent light beam forms, on the
combiner 4, the irradiation region 5, which is generally elliptical
in correspondence with the cross-sectional shape thereof.
[0126] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the headup display 100 in
this embodiment.
[0127] Unlike the headup display 100, the headup display 200
outputs a divergent light beam having a generally elliptical
cross-section from the transmission screen 2G toward the combiner
4. Specifically, the structure of the transmission screen is
different. Components same as those of the headup display 100 will
not be described in detail.
[0128] The headup display 200 includes the video source 1, the
transmission screen 2G, the field lens 3, and the combiner 4. The
headup display 200 does not need to include the field lens 3.
[0129] FIG. 11(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a
structure of the transmission screen 2G. FIG. 11(b) shows a shape
of the MLA 12 as seen from the side of the light emitting surface
11 of the transmission screen 2G and a shape of an MLA 23 of a
deformed hexagonal close-packed arrangement as seen from the side
of the light receiving surface 10 of the transmission screen
2G.
[0130] The transmission screen 2G includes the MLA 12 and the MLA
23. The MLA 12 is located on the side of the light receiving
surface 10 of the transmission screen 2G, and the MLA 23 is located
on the side of the light emitting surface 11 of the transmission
screen 2G. The lens surface of the MLA 12 is directed toward the
light emitting surface 11, and a lens surface of the MLA 23 is
directed toward the light receiving surface 10.
[0131] In FIG. 11(a), direction H (first direction) is a direction
of a longer axis of the irradiation region 5, which is generally
elliptical, and direction V (direction perpendicular to the first
direction) is a direction of a shorter axis of the irradiation
region 5. The MLA 23 includes microlenses that are arrayed such
that at least one of sides that form the profile of each of the
microlenses and a side parallel to the one side are parallel to
direction H or direction V.
[0132] In the example shown in FIG. 11(b), the microlenses are
arrayed such that two sides of each microlens are parallel to
direction H. The microlenses in the MLA 23 each have a hexagonal
shape that is compressed or extended in direction H and/or
direction V. An arrangement of microlenses having such a shape in a
hexagonal close-packed manner is referred to as a "deformed
hexagonal close-packed arrangement". The lenses in the MLA 23 do
not need to be hexagonal, and may be, for example, circular. It is
preferable that the lenses in the MLA 23 are hexagonal from the
point of view of improving the light utilization factor.
[0133] FIG. 11(b) shows the microlenses in the MLA 23 that are
extended in direction H and compressed in direction V. The
direction of the extended side matches the direction of the longer
axis of the irradiation region 5, which is generally elliptical.
The direction of the compressed side matches the direction of the
shorter axis of the irradiation region 5. With such an arrangement,
a divergent light beam is output from the light emitting surface 11
of the transmission screen 2G so as to have a generally elliptical
cross-section.
[0134] FIG. 11(b) shows vectors e1, e2, e3, e4, e5 and e6 each
representing a shift direction between adjacent lenses. Regarding
the MLA 23, vectors e4, e5 and e6 are defined as vectors each
representing a shift direction between adjacent lenses. Vector e4
is directed from the center of a microlens M4 toward the center of
a microlens M5. The direction of vector e4 is a shift direction of
the center of the microlens M5 on the basis of the center of the
microlens M4. Vectors e5 and e6 are defined similarly.
[0135] In this embodiment also, the directions of vectors e1, e2,
e3, e4, e5 and e6, each representing a shaft direction between
lenses in the MLA 22 and the MLA 23, are different from each
other.
[0136] In the above-described manner, the ratio of the lengths in
the longer axis direction and the shorter axis direction of the
irradiation region 5 of the divergent light beam may be changed in
accordance with the ratio of compression or extension of the shape
of the microlenses so as to change the cross-sectional shape of the
divergent light beam. This allows the irradiation region of the
divergent light beam to be sufficiently restricted to improve the
light utilization factor. As a result, low power consumption and/or
high luminance of the video image is realized. As in embodiment 2,
the number of speckles is decreased efficiently.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0137] A transmission screen according to the present invention is
usable for HUDs, head mounted displays, other virtual image
displays and the like.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0138] 1 Video source [0139] 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G
Transmission screen [0140] 3 Field lens [0141] 4 Combiner [0142] 5
Irradiation region [0143] 10 Light receiving surface [0144] 11
Light emitting surface [0145] 12, 22, 23 Microlens array [0146] 13,
14, 21 Lenticular lens [0147] 20 Fiber optical plate [0148] 100,
200 Headup display
* * * * *